By Ghazali Ibrahim
Let’s be honest, dating and relationships today feel like a rollercoaster. One minute you’re texting all night, the next, you’re being ghosted. With social media filters, situationships, and a never-ending pool of “options,” love in your 20s can feel more confusing than comforting.
But here’s the truth: real relationships still exist, they just need a little more intention in a world built for distractions.
1. Talk for Real
Make the communication real, not just on Whatsapp and Instagram. DMs and voice notes are fun, but deep conversations build connection. Don’t just vibe, rather communicate. Ask hard questions. Share how you feel. Don’t be afraid to talk about boundaries, goals, or even fears. That’s where real connection grows.
2. Show Up, Not Just Link Up
Being present means more than being around. It’s about supporting each other during stressful exams, career doubts, or just the days that suck. Consistency beats grand gestures.
3. Don’t Lose Yourself
A good relationship shouldn’t dim your light it should fuel it. Keep chasing your dreams, evolving, learning. If you’re growing and your partner supports it, you’re already on the right path.
4. Conflict Cancellation
Not every disagreement means it’s over. Learn to argue fairly. No low blows, no silent treatments. Sometimes, a calm conversation can save what passive-aggressiveness would destroy.
5. Love Offline Matters Most
Likes, couple goals, and captions don’t define your relationship. What happens offline; the effort, the care, the respect, that’s the real deal.
Young love can be messy, exciting, confusing, and beautiful, all at once. But when two people decide to show up for each other, communicate clearly, and grow together, it becomes something powerful.
Real love takes work, but so does anything worth having
